Newbury Balloon Festival officially off

William Walker

william.walker@newburynews.co.uk

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01635 886641

Newbury's Balloon Festival has officially been cancelled, despite a last minute bid to change the venue.

The Newbury and District Agricultural Society announced yesterday (Tuesday) that the three-day event from Friday July 17 at Newbury Showground booked by event organiser Richard Garvie was cancelled, because the terms and conditions were not met, including payment for the hire.

The Society’s chief executive Daren Bowyer said it had not received evidence of appropriate insurance for the event.

Organisers then made plans to hold the event at Northcroft Park with the date unchanged but West Berkshire Council confirmed that these plans were "incorrect."

West Berkshire Council spokesperson Peta Stoddart-Crompton said: "West Berkshire Council was approached at an extremely late stage regarding the use of the park.

“However, we are unable to grant the required permissions, conduct the relevant safety checks and supply the relevant documentation within the time constraints.

“There are also significant traffic considerations at this location and impacts on local residents and businesses.

“Therefore, this event will not be held at Northcroft.”

Organisers confirmed this afternoon (Wednesday) on the event Facebook page: "It is with great regret that despite our best efforts, the event is now cancelled."

For the full story pick up a copy of this week's Newbury Weekly News.

Were you planning on going? Did you have a stall for the event? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch via william.walker@newburynews.co.uk